The Lamp Lighting Ceremony marks a solemn and inspiring beginning in the lives of nursing students, symbolizing their commitment to the noble profession of care and service. Rooted in the legacy of Florence Nightingale, the ceremony signifies the spreading of light through knowledge, compassion and dedication to humanity.
The ceremony was organized on April 25, 2026, in Dengel Hall of the hospital, under the auspices of the College of Nursing, Kurji Holy Family Hospital. The occasion was graced by the presence of Sister Princy Mathew, administrator of the hospital, along with partners in mission, collaborators, the nursing service team, ward in-charge of all departments, the principal, faculty members and students.
The program commenced with a solemn procession of 60 budding nursing students of 13th Basic B.Sc., marching to the rhythm of music, dressed in angelic white uniforms. A warm welcome address was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries.
The tone of the occasion was set with an interreligious prayer service led by the students, highlighting the significance of light, with readings from the Holy Bible, chanting from the Bhagavad Gita and the Quran. The offering of various symbols, such as a white rose, burning light, globe, bread and a stethoscope, depicted the life of nurses connected to the universe, spoke of purity, feeding the hungry, caring for all and being a light in the lives of suffering humanity.
This was followed by the solemn lighting of the lamp from the traditional lamp by Principal Sister Usha to the class coordinators, who then passed the flame to the new nursing students, symbolizing the transfer of knowledge and responsibility. Holding their lamps, the students collectively took the nursing oath, administered by the vice principal, pledging to serve patients with sincerity, empathy and professionalism.
The chief guest, Sister Princy, delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing the importance of compassion, discipline and ethical practice in nursing. The ceremony was further enriched by a brief message from the principal, who said they are stepping into a profession that demands not only technical excellence but also emotional strength and ethical integrity. She stressed that it requires patience in moments of difficulty, courage in times of crisis and kindness in every interaction. She urged them to always remember the importance of empathy, respect for life and dedication to their duty, and to guide their actions by both knowledge and humanity.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, leaving the students motivated to uphold the ideals of the nursing profession. The Lamp Lighting Ceremony served as a meaningful reminder of the responsibilities that lie ahead and the noble path the students have chosen.
Submitted by Sister Usha Saldanha